Sep 29, 2005
TV: Smallville - Best Series Ever!
Can I just say that after 3 decades of experiencing television, Smallville is -- by far -- my absolute favorite series. As a kid I loved Dr. Who, Monty Python, and Star Trek (reruns of the original series). As a teen I loved Twin Peaks. After that, Charmed. Now it is Smallville and it exceeds my expectations every season. And Tom Welling.... Goodness he's good. (I must see The Fog.) Man, I can't wait until next Thursday. I want episode two now!
Sep 26, 2005
Photo: Bono (by me)
Sep 24, 2005
Review: The Notebook
I finally saw The Notebook. I originally wanted to see it because it has an incredible cast, but later I read several positive reviews, which reinforced my wanting to see it. Though I never really knew what the story was about aside from a woman having to choose between two loves. Well, I finally just watched it and it goes so much deeper than what I thought. Aside from incredible storytelling and amazing acting, this film touches me a such a deeper level. J. told me that in one review he read the film was said to be designed to make the viewer cry, but, then again, they weren't expecting me as a viewer and what I've experienced. I had no idea what I was getting myself into. It was soul deep. It took me to a place in time that is so hard for me to visit I often shut it out. Oddly enough, though, I was recently reminded of that place by a suggestion to write about it. I couldn't bring myself there on my own, but this film just took me right to that place. I know this may all sound confusing, as I'm leaving out key elements of both the film and my past, but, I guess what I'm trying to get at is, that only a truly good story can bring out such emotion; only a tale that touches upon universal truths and the human condition can awake our own truths within us. I highly recommend The Notebook. You may not cry as hard as I did, but then again you just may. It depends on how close your own past, your own family experiences come to the plot. Mine was frighteningly close, but I'm glad I saw it and I'm glad it unlocked part of my memory. Everything happens for a reason, we just have to pay attention to the signs and go with the flow (which doesn't mean "follow," it just means going with "the way," as described in Eastern philosophies).
Randomness: PS
If you tried to call me Friday, I'm not dead. I've been fighting a cold since Inland Invasion so I decided to just relax and drink orange juice all day. (I'll check messages this weekend.)
Sep 23, 2005
Film: Star Wars - Empire of Dreams
Off and on for several years of my life I have had the thought that I was born the wrong time flash through my head. There are aspects of the Victorian era I wish I could've experienced. Then there are concepts of the future like, civilian space travel, that I wish I could partake in. Then there were smaller shifts, like, man, I wish I could've experienced the sixties or been born into the current high tech world with a pacifier in one hand and an iPod in the other. However, there is one fairly simple reason why I know I was born at precisely the right time: Star Wars. The original Star Wars, that is. I was just of the right age to experience A New Hope, The Empire Strikes Back, and Return of the Jedi. Three of the best films ever made on many levels. Had I been born any later I may have missed Star Wars, but thankfully I was born at the right time and the seed was planted. Star Wars changed the industry for
the better and I will be able to tell stories better because of it.
Thanks George.
the better and I will be able to tell stories better because of it.
Thanks George.
Sep 22, 2005
Life: Beautiful Day
There's something to be said for being up until 5 am watching Rome on HBO On Demand and still able to get up at 9ish, go to a cafe, work outside, and finish editing a 185 page script before 2 pm.
Of course, now, I seriously need a nap. Ha. But, at least, I
accomplished my day's main goal. What next? Buy a new vacuum cleaner! Blargh. Nap first. Clean later.
accomplished my day's main goal. What next? Buy a new vacuum cleaner! Blargh. Nap first. Clean later.
Sep 20, 2005
Randomness: My Cell Phone is Possessed
It calls people of its own volition and I'm not talking like when your phone is in your bag and something bumps it or whatever, especially since mine's a flip-phone. I'm talking like I can be in the middle of a conversation with my friend Anna and out of the blue I'll hear ringing and suddenly my dad is on the line. It's so freaken weird, man, I had to vent.
Sep 19, 2005
Music: KROQ Inland Invasion reviews
(X-posted in MySpace)
There were a handful of bands I must recommend seeing:
The Arcade Fire:
These guys & gals are intense. They look like the band geeks from high school but they rock hard and have some very unique sounds. I especially dug the chick on accordion (she also played keyboard, drums, sang vocals, etc.). My male friend was hot for the violinist.
Live:
I had never seen these guys perform before, though I bought their album Throwing Copper years ago and loved it. From a technical position, they were the best band of the day. Their sound is tight, they completely let go on stage, and Ed is just in the moment - none of it seems staged. Also, the tunes from their upcoming album sounded really good: real rock 'n' roll, which is something, I feel, is desperately needed in the "pop" scene today.
Garbage:
With a singer like Shirley Manson, how could any band go wrong? She lights up the stage with her massive persona and performance. This is one hot chick. Also, the camera just absolutely loves her. (See KROQ Inland Invasion 2005 set.)
Jet:
I know these guys seem a tad "sell-out" with their introductory single in an iPod commercial ("Are You Gonna Be My Girl"), but they play well and have some great classic-sounding songs. My one problem would be that they sound a little bit like "everyone else," however my inability to specifically name who they sound like kind of makes up for this, lol.
Oasis:
Two words: Liam Gallagher. Granted all the songs are composed by Noel and he is one damn fine songwriter, but let's face it, without Liam there would be no Oasis. He is the epitome of arrogance and his absolute shamelessness makes it not only forgivable but also enjoyable. I found myself making eye contact with him (I was front-center pit) and just cracking up. He's a rock star. He knows it, he loves it, and he shows it. So what if they sound like (or, more importantly, want to be) The Beatles? They have genuinely great Brit pop tunes and an enigmatic front man. What more could you ask for? (Ok, ok, originality, but we can leave that to bands like U2. Oasis is a good fucking time; it's ok that they are not a religious experience.)
Final note: any bands who performed that I did not mention I either did not see (due to much needed breaks) or I disliked (um, 311, go home).
There were a handful of bands I must recommend seeing:
The Arcade Fire:
These guys & gals are intense. They look like the band geeks from high school but they rock hard and have some very unique sounds. I especially dug the chick on accordion (she also played keyboard, drums, sang vocals, etc.). My male friend was hot for the violinist.
Live:
I had never seen these guys perform before, though I bought their album Throwing Copper years ago and loved it. From a technical position, they were the best band of the day. Their sound is tight, they completely let go on stage, and Ed is just in the moment - none of it seems staged. Also, the tunes from their upcoming album sounded really good: real rock 'n' roll, which is something, I feel, is desperately needed in the "pop" scene today.
Garbage:
With a singer like Shirley Manson, how could any band go wrong? She lights up the stage with her massive persona and performance. This is one hot chick. Also, the camera just absolutely loves her. (See KROQ Inland Invasion 2005 set.)
Jet:
I know these guys seem a tad "sell-out" with their introductory single in an iPod commercial ("Are You Gonna Be My Girl"), but they play well and have some great classic-sounding songs. My one problem would be that they sound a little bit like "everyone else," however my inability to specifically name who they sound like kind of makes up for this, lol.
Oasis:
Two words: Liam Gallagher. Granted all the songs are composed by Noel and he is one damn fine songwriter, but let's face it, without Liam there would be no Oasis. He is the epitome of arrogance and his absolute shamelessness makes it not only forgivable but also enjoyable. I found myself making eye contact with him (I was front-center pit) and just cracking up. He's a rock star. He knows it, he loves it, and he shows it. So what if they sound like (or, more importantly, want to be) The Beatles? They have genuinely great Brit pop tunes and an enigmatic front man. What more could you ask for? (Ok, ok, originality, but we can leave that to bands like U2. Oasis is a good fucking time; it's ok that they are not a religious experience.)
Final note: any bands who performed that I did not mention I either did not see (due to much needed breaks) or I disliked (um, 311, go home).
Life: I Feel Like Death.
Man, am I getting too old for all day concerts? Nah, couldn't be. There were people twice my age at that thing. Phew. Mayhaps I need to eat better. Damn. Note to self: For U2 binge (2 LA, 2 Las Vegas, 2 Oakland, 1 SLC, & 1 Portland) make sure to get on a steady nutritious diet, exercise daily, and totally detox the system. Oh! And plenty of rest in comfortable environments! Which means, when crashing at Hector's in Santa Cruz -- or anywhere else -- bring a warm blanket and sleeping bag! Speaking of, I should prolly zip an e-mail off to Hector to make sure he'll be in town. I know he's going to Greece soon... Oh, I would love to join him on that trip, but I have a lot of work to do before I can take international vacations. *kicks self in butt* I need a cheerleader (of sorts). I need someone with whom I can work on my writing who supports me (emotionally, mentally) and believes in me. I can do it myself and I will, but sometimes it would just be nice to share the journey with a true friend -- someone I can see often -- who isn't riding your coattails, rather just on a sort of parallel journey... One in which you help each other via respect and positive energy... I may have had that, but, well, the heart does silly things... I'd fall in love with the sky if it could help me to fly.
Sep 18, 2005
Music: Done and Done.
KROQ Inland Invasion pretty much totally rocked. Or was it just Oasis? I dunno, all I know is I had a darn good time. I may look like a lobster, feel like every muscle in my body is immobile, and never want to drink an alcoholic beverage again but it was all worth it for one main reason: pit tickets. That, my friend, is the way to go with big, all day concerts like that. We went through the line up, chose the bands we wanted to see, and devised a plan to get in and out of the pit in such a fashion that we would be nearly guaranteed front and center every time and it worked. Granted, you can't get rail, since there are those who just camp out there all day, but you can get very close. For the headliner, Oasis, I was two people back from the rail and dead center on Liam. Man, that was cool. (That and the two people were extremely short girls which always helps for us in betweeny chicks.) Anyhoo, I'm uploading pics to Flickr now and will shortly post a link. Cheers!
Sep 15, 2005
Sep 12, 2005
Rant: Replying to E-mails
Does it drive you nuts when someone doesn't reply to an e-mail that contains questions you either need or just want answered? It could be work related or just asking what's up? Now, I am notorious for taking forever to reply to e-mail. Especially when I have a project going because I tend to only use my computer time for work and then while I'm not working I prefer to do other things than sit at my desk writing e-mails. Which is not to say that I dislike receiving or even replying to e-mails, it's just that I'm not the kind of person who can whip off that quick reply. I take my time, think about the best way to answer, etc. So, for all intents and purposes I should be fairly understanding when it comes to not getting a reply, but let's face it, we're all hypocrites in some way or another. Perhaps I'm just wicked impatient? I really need to learn patience on so many levels. "Good things come to those who wait." I have my moments, but every once in awhile I just start getting all antsy and all NOW NOW NOW! Why? I dunno... Perhaps that's the kid in me... "When I was three I thought the world revolved around me..." I need to give my restless inner child a project. Maybe do up a little comic strip with the cast of characters I've created. Yeah... That sounds like a plan.
PS: Reply to my e-mail gosh darn it!!! ;-)
PS: Reply to my e-mail gosh darn it!!! ;-)
Sep 9, 2005
Life: Selflessness
I used to believe that life was like a Shakespearean play wherein
everything that everyone said had a double, triple meaning and behind every word lay a hidden motive. In fact, not only did I believe this of others, but I'm fairly certain I practiced this art to a degree myself. The end result was too much thinking and analyzing and not enough living and being! Yesterday I phoned a friend and left a message. I offered myself as an ear to listen to anything he might need to talk about if he needed to talk at all. As soon as I left the message, I felt a sense of release. I had phoned him based purely on a gut feeling, wherein the past I might've left a message like that because I was lonely, or I needed to talk, or I, I, I... you see? And my old self would've become perturbed and impatient if the phone never rang. Well, the phone has yet to ring and I don't mind. Of course I'll be here to listen if the time is to come, but for the first time in my life I know what true, pure selflessness means. I had thought that some catastrophic, earth shattering event would've had to happen for me to learn such an important lesson, but nay, a simple phone call did the trick. It's funny how one can know something academically, in theory, but not in heart... And that when one wants to learn something from the heart, the lesson just happens. I wasn't even looking and then BAM. Of course, all good things that have ever come to me in my life have come when I wasn't looking for them, so I suppose I shouldn't be so surprised, lol. I guess it's just nice to finally understand something, a concept, that has been repeatedly brought to my attention, selflessness, and to really understand it on a gut level. To offer myself just to give without any desire, need, want, or trick to get something back. It feels good. And as far as my friend goes, if he needs to talk and he talks to me or
everything that everyone said had a double, triple meaning and behind every word lay a hidden motive. In fact, not only did I believe this of others, but I'm fairly certain I practiced this art to a degree myself. The end result was too much thinking and analyzing and not enough living and being! Yesterday I phoned a friend and left a message. I offered myself as an ear to listen to anything he might need to talk about if he needed to talk at all. As soon as I left the message, I felt a sense of release. I had phoned him based purely on a gut feeling, wherein the past I might've left a message like that because I was lonely, or I needed to talk, or I, I, I... you see? And my old self would've become perturbed and impatient if the phone never rang. Well, the phone has yet to ring and I don't mind. Of course I'll be here to listen if the time is to come, but for the first time in my life I know what true, pure selflessness means. I had thought that some catastrophic, earth shattering event would've had to happen for me to learn such an important lesson, but nay, a simple phone call did the trick. It's funny how one can know something academically, in theory, but not in heart... And that when one wants to learn something from the heart, the lesson just happens. I wasn't even looking and then BAM. Of course, all good things that have ever come to me in my life have come when I wasn't looking for them, so I suppose I shouldn't be so surprised, lol. I guess it's just nice to finally understand something, a concept, that has been repeatedly brought to my attention, selflessness, and to really understand it on a gut level. To offer myself just to give without any desire, need, want, or trick to get something back. It feels good. And as far as my friend goes, if he needs to talk and he talks to me or
someone else or, heck, not at all, well, any which way around, I just hope he's ok.
Sep 6, 2005
Photo: God's gift
A Picture Share!
Originally uploaded by m220.
I am going to own a house in either Malibu or the Pacific Palisades, by golly.
Sep 4, 2005
Photo: Nice park near ocean
A Picture Share!
Originally uploaded by m220.
Sometimes you just gotta pull off the freeway, Find a nice spot, And just chill.
Sep 3, 2005
Graphic Design: Mez the Monkey in a Fez
Mez the Monkey in a Fez
Originally uploaded by m220.
Introducing Mez the Monkey in a Fez as created by yours truly!
Mez likes quoting movies and 80's taglines like "Just Say No." He appears on various apparel and tchotchkes in my Cafe Press store.
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